What is the Nasal Release Technique
The nasal Release Technique is a powerful mobilization technique that realigns specific skull joints. It was developed by Dr. J. R. Stober of Portland and has been practiced by chiropractors, physical therapists, physicians, and dentists since the 1940s. The procedure uses a small balloon attached to an inflatable device inserted into the nasal passages. The balloon inflation presses outward against the bones that line the breathing passages to open the sinuses. This ultimately equalizes pressure, drainage, and airflow through the skull. One of the confusions of this Therapy is the many names for the same procedure—Endonasal Technique, Cranial Facial Release, Nasal Cranial Release, Bilateral Nasal Specific Technique, Functional Cranial Release, and Neurocranial ReStructuring Nasal Specific Technique. These have all been used to describe the technique.
How does the procedure work?
Here is a short video from Conquer Concussion's lead physical therapist, Cynthia Stein, who teaches the technique to physical therapists, chiropractors, physicians, and dentists worldwide.
What can I expect from a treatment?
The physical therapist will review your medical history and answer all questions at the start of the session. A thorough exam of eye, jaw, and head motion will last about 5-10 minutes before you lay down on a treatment bed. The physical therapist will thread a small balloon into the first sinus passage, then ask you to look in a specific direction (determined by the motion exam) and hold your breath. The balloon will be inflated for one second, immediately deflated, and then removed smoothly. This is repeated into the other nostril and then through the other passages for a total of 8 inflations. The entire procedure includes 8 seconds of discomfort, is finished in 15 minutes, and will have long-lasting results. The second session usually completes full airway restoration. Many patients report sensations of clicks and pops, watering eyes, and sometimes the balloon extending to the mouth as the nasopharynx becomes unobstructed. This is all completely normal.
What makes me a good candidate?
- Concussion
- Headaches
- Head pressure
- Migraines
- PTSD
- Sinusitis
- Sleep apnea and snoring
- Other breathing and sinus disorders
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- TMJ (mouth, head, and jaw pains)
- Vertigo and other balance problems
- Whiplash Syndrome
Symptoms that may respond to treatment
• Headache or facial pain/pressure
• Congestion or fullness
• Vertigo
• Balance Problems
• Snoring or Sleep Apnea
• TMJ pain
• Nasal obstruction or blockage
• Restoration of smell
• Some types of Sinusitis
• Neck Pain
• Ringing in the Ears
Contraindications
Caution should be taken for patients with bleeding disorders or who are taking anticoagulant medications. Patients with prior nasal or facial bone surgery, especially with modification of the turbinates, are not good candidates for this procedure because the integrity of the structures is unpredictable. There has been at least one case reported where an asthma attack was initiated by the nasal release technique. Patients with a history of asthma have their inhaler with them when they are going to undergo this Therapy. The therapist performs an extensive medical history check before attempting this procedure and will refrain from it if any contraindications are present.
Possible side effects
• Epistaxis, or nose bleed, can result from the Nasal Release Technique
• Minor soreness over the cheekbones, tenderness of the nasal passage regions, a tingling feeling in the central maxillary incisor teeth, and mild soreness of the gums are possible. In some cases, these mild symptoms persist, though diminishing, for up to several days. Infrequently, a patient might experience a headache after treatment.
• Throat irritation due to increased drainage from the sinuses may also happen following the Nasal Release Technique. This is temporary and goes away in a short time.
• Draining of the sinuses is a common side effect of this procedure. Some people's passageways are very tight, and they feel significant pressure during the procedure, but all have reported feeling better afterward. The therapist attempts to gradually open the nasal passageways with multiple treatments to prevent a traumatic Nasal Release experience.